Angola's new president tries to move beyond dos Santos

Significance

Lourenco took power a month previously and shortly afterwards appointed his first cabinet, with many ministers and state secretaries who served under his predecessor, long-standing former President Jose Eduardo dos Santos (1979-2017). The new president has moved cautiously to balance the need for investor-friendly reforms while placating those associated with the former president and his business interests. These early moves come after a controversial and tainted presidential election in which the opposition accused the electoral commission of widespread fraud and malpractice.

Impacts

• The MPLA faces an intensified challenge from the opposition, in particular the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).
• A likely devaluation of the kwanza will be the first serious test of Lourenco’s public popularity.
• Growing numbers of Congolese refugees in Zaire province will worsen relations between Kinshasa and Luanda.